One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at DMR is: “what’s involved in an onsite assessment NVQ?” Luckily, it’s not that complicated and we reckon we can explain it in fewer than 700 words (or three minutes of your time).
Onsite assessment – also known as OSAT – is a process that enables experienced construction workers to gain an vocational qualification, which in turn qualifies them for a CSCS Skilled Worker card (a blue or gold card).
To achieve your NVQ, you must demonstrate your experience and skill in your trade. You’ll accomplish this by collecting and submitting ‘evidence’ to your assessor (more on this later).
Coursework and a workplace observation are also part of the NVQ assessment process. There’s no need to stress though; these are not exams or tests. Just think of them as an opportunity to show off your knowledge and skill.
To help you understand how an onsite assessment works, read through the seven stages of our step-by-step summary.
Step 1 – Apply for Your NVQ
First, you need to find a training provider or college who delivers your NVQ through onsite assessment. If a Google search isn’t turning up any results, try contacting an awarding body such as City & Guilds and ask for a list of training providers in your area who are accredited to deliver your NVQ (e.g. Level 2 in Site Carpentry).
When you contact a training provider, ask if funding is available. If you’re eligible for funding, your NVQ will be paid by government funds at no cost to yourself.
Visit our NVQ Funding & Grants page to find out if government funding is currently available and whether you’re eligible.
Step 2 – Skill and Experience Check
Before enrolling you on your qualification, your training provider will check you have enough experience to meet the requirements of the qualification. You will need at least three years’ experience in your trade to enrol on an onsite assessment NVQ.
Step 3 – Enrolment with an Awarding Body
Your training provider will now enrol you with an awarding body such as City & Guilds or NOCN. Congratulations – you have now officially started your NVQ. Remember to ask your training provider for proof of NVQ enrolment if you want to apply for your temporary CSCS card.
Step 4 – Evidence Gathering and Coursework
Acting under the guidance of your assessor, you now need to start collecting work-based evidence. There are many ways to document your skills and experience. Popular methods include photographs, videos, employer endorsements, witness testimonies and detailed work logs (aka job cards).
You’ll also need to start on your job knowledge coursework (a Q&A pack). Questions relate to your specific trade as well as general health and safety in construction. Work through these questions in your own time and submit them to your assessor to check.
Step 5 – Onsite Observation
Part of the onsite assessment NVQ process involves at least one workplace observation where your assessor visits you at work. This will usually last between one and three hours. The time and date of the observation will be arranged between you and your assessor in advance.
Step 6 – Submit Your Portfolio For Verification
Whether you’re submitting your evidence to an e-portfolio online or sending it to your assessor by email, your portfolio needs to be checked for compliance. This is the job of your assessor and the training provider’s internal verification (IV) team. All that’s left for you to do now is wait for your NVQ certificate to arrive (or collect additional work-based evidence in the unlikely event that the IV team deems it necessary).
Step 7 – Certification
Once the internal verifier is happy with your portfolio, he or she will apply for your certificate with the awarding body. Your certificate will be sent to the training provider who will then forward it to you or your employer. Congratulations! You can now apply for your CSCS card.